Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 2 |
---|
- 6 VIDEOS
Image Unavailable
Color:
-
-
-
- To view this video download Flash Player
Das Keyboard 4 Professional Wired Mechanical Keyboard, Cherry MX Blue Mechanical Switches, 2-Port USB 3.0 Hub, Volume Knob, Aluminum Top (104 Keys, Black)
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Das Keyboard |
Connectivity Technology | USB |
Keyboard Description | QWERTY |
Recommended Uses For Product | Office |
Color | Clicky Tactile - Cherry MX Blue Switches |
Number of Keys | 104 |
Keyboard backlighting color support | Single Color |
Style | Professional w/ USB 3 Hub |
Product Dimensions | 18.11"L x 7.09"W x 0.83"H |
Material | Aluminum |
About this item
- 4 PROFESSIONAL MECHANICAL KEYBOARD - The thinnest mechanical keyboard in the world! The combination of tactile feel, the psycho-acoustic experience and incredible craftsmanship all deliver an unmatched typing experience that only Das Keyboard 4 offers. With a Das Keyboard 4, you'll type faster and longer. It feels so good, you won't want to stop.
- PREMIUM TACTILE EXPERIENCE - Best-in-class Cherry MX Blue mechanical key switches provide tactile and audio feedback so accurate it allows you to execute every keystroke with lightning-fast precision. Factory lubricated stabilizers on large keys for smooth typing with bumps on the F and J keys. Enjoy the tactile experience you love from a mechanical keyboard, with just enough sound to satisfy you - and not annoy your coworkers!
- UP TO 50 MILLION KEYSTROKES - Laser-etched keycaps for maximum durability are paired with Cherry MX Blue switches, giving your new mechanical keyboard life up to 50 million keystrokes. High-performance, gold-plated switches provide the best contact and typing experience because, unlike other metals, gold does not rust, increasing the lifespan of the switch.
- FULL N-KEY ROLLOVER - Fast typists, productive professionals and gamers will appreciate that Das Keyboard 4 supports full NKRO over USB. No need to use a PS2 adapter anymore. Just press shift + mute to toggle to NKRO (works with both Windows and Linux).
- 2 PORT USB 3.0 HUB & MORE - The convenience to charge USB devices & simultaneously upload content through USB is right at your fingertips. A blazing fast 2- port USB 3.0 hub to transfer music, high resolution pics & large videos at up to 5Gb/second. That’s 10x faster than USB 2.0. Extra long 6.5ft(201cm) USB cable w/ single USB A connector. Dedicated media controls w/ LARGE VOLUME KNOB & instant sleep button. Magnetically detachable footbar ruler to raise the keyboard to an optimal 4-degrees.
Frequently bought together
Featured items you may like
- Amazon Basics Programmable Mechanical PC Gaming Keyboard , RGB LED Backlit, US Layout (QWERTY), BlackFREE Shipping by AmazonTemporarily out of stock.
- Das Keyboard Model S Professional Wired Mechanical Keyboard, Cherry MX Brown Mechanical Switches, 2-Port USB Hub, Laser Etched Keycaps (104 Keys, Black)FREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3
- Das Keyboard Prime 13 Backlit Wired Mechanical Keyboard, Cherry MX Brown Mechanical Switches, Clean White LED Backlit Keys, USB Pass-Through, Aluminum Top Panel (104 Keys, Black)Amazon's Choicein PC Gaming KeyboardsFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3
- Cherry KC 200 MX Mechanical Office Keyboard with New MX2A switches. Modern Design with Metal Plate Frame. (Bronze W/MX2A Silent Red Switch)Amazon's Choicein Computer KeyboardsFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3Only 7 left in stock - order soon.
- Logitech MX Mechanical Wireless Illuminated Performance Keyboard, Tactile Quiet Switches, Bluetooth, USB-C, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Graphite - With Free Adobe Creative Cloud SubscriptionFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3Only 15 left in stock - order soon.Climate Pledge FriendlyProducts with trusted sustainability certification(s). Learn more
PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)
Carbon Neutral Certified by SCS Global Services means the product’s carbon emissions have been measured and reduced, with any remaining emissions offset.
- Keychron V6 Wired Custom Mechanical Keyboard, Full-Size QMK/VIA Programmable Macro with Hot-swappable Keychron K Pro Brown Switch Compatible with Mac Windows Linux (Frosted Black-Translucent)Amazon's Choicein Mac Gaming KeyboardsFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3Only 20 left in stock - order soon.
Discover similar items
From the manufacturer
Das Keyboard 4 Professional with Cherry MX Blue Switches
Uber Quality, Uber Design
The Das Keyboard 4 Professional mechanical keyboard experience is like no other. From the initial idea to every fine detail when crafting this machine, the experience we deliver to customers is what drives our team. The combination of tactile feel, the psycho-acoustic experience and incredible craftsmanship all deliver an unmatched typing experience that only Das Keyboard 4 offers. With a Das Keyboard 4, you'll type faster and longer. It feels so good, you won't want to stop.
Best-In-Class Cherry MX Switches
Das Keyboard uses best-in-class, Cherry MX mechanical key switches that provide tactile and audio feedback so accurate it allows you to execute every keystroke with lightning-fast precision. The Das Keyboard 4 Professional mechanical keyboard is available in both the Cherry MX Brown and Cherry MX Blue switches.
Product Details:
- Equipped with Clicky Cherry MX Blue switches
- Dedicated media controls with oversized volume knob
- Two-port USB 3.0 SuperSpeed hub - Up to 5Gb/s, 10x the speed of USB 2.0
- Laser etched key inscriptions
- Anodized aluminum top panel
- NKRO over USB for faster typing and programming
- Instant sleep button to save energy
- Extra long 6.5 ft (201 cm) USB cable with single USB type-A connector
- Removable Das Keyboard footbar can be used as a precise ruler
Das Keyboard 4 Professional Features
|
|
|
|
---|---|---|---|
Cherry MX Blue mechanical key switches with gold contactsThe Cherry MX Blue switches have a 'clicky' tactile bump when the activation point is hit. This feedback helps to increase typing speed by reducing effort needed to push the keys all the way down. The Cherry MX Blue switch is the most 'clicky' of the Das Keyboard line. |
Dedicated Media Controls with Oversized Volume KnobWith its large volume knob, Das Keyboard 4 Professional allows users to quickly adjust volume. The Das Keyboard 4 also provides quick access to dedicated media controls such as mute, play, pause, next and previous track. |
Two-Port USB 3.0 SuperSpeed HubNeed to transfer videos to your workstation but don’t have time to wait all day for file transfers to complete? Don’t worry. Das Keyboard 4 Professional has a blazing fast two-port USB 3.0 hub to transfer music, high resolution pictures and large videos at up to 5Gb per second. That’s 10 times faster than USB 2.0. It is backwards compatible with all USB 2.0/1.1 devices and hosts so previous peripheral investments are protected. |
Full N-Key RolloverProgrammers and fast typists will love to hear that Das Keyboard 4 Professional supports full n-key rollover (NKRO) over USB. No need to use a PS2 adapter anymore. Just press shift + mute to toggle NKRO. |
|
|
|
|
---|---|---|---|
Aluminum Top PanelFeaturing a stunning look, Das Keyboard 4 Professional has been designed with a slick anodized aluminum top panel. |
Laser Etched Key InscriptionsThe Das Keyboard 4 Professional is equipped with laser etched key inscriptions to prevent fading and a custom key cap font to provide ease of reading. The overall result is sleek and easily readable while not drawing unnecessary attention. |
Extra Long CableDas Keyboard 4 Professional sports a 2-meter (6.5ft) cable that goes through desk grommets to keep your workspace neat and tidy. Now equipped with only one USB cable to power the keyboard and USB hub at the same time. |
Every Detail MattersFeaturing a stunning look, Das Keyboard 4 Professional has been designed with a slick anodized aluminum top panel, a resonance-free bottom enclosure, a magnetically attached ruler/footbar, and a laser-engraved aluminum bottom label all which make the design feel more amazing and the typing feel more responsive. |
Das Keyboard 5Q Smart RGB | Das Keyboard X50Q Smart RGB | Das Keyboard 4 Professional | Ultimate | root | Das Keyboard 4 Professional for Mac | Das Keyboard Prime 13 | Das Keyboard Model S Professional | Ultimate | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Customer Reviews |
2.8 out of 5 stars
48
|
3.8 out of 5 stars
221
|
4.3 out of 5 stars
3,247
|
4.3 out of 5 stars
3,247
|
4.4 out of 5 stars
402
|
4.3 out of 5 stars
1,526
|
Switch Type | Omron Gamma Zulu Soft-Tactile with gold plated double cross-points | Omron Gamma Zulu Soft-Tactile with gold plated double cross-points | Cherry MX Blue (Clicky) or Brown (Soft Tactile) with gold contacts | Cherry MX Blue (Clicky) or Brown (Soft Tactile) with gold contacts | Cherry MX Brown (Soft Tactile) with gold contacts | Cherry MX Blue (Clicky) or Brown (Soft Tactile) with gold contacts |
Switch Lifespan | 100 million | 100 million | 50 million | 50 million | 50 million | 50 million |
Keycap Type | Double Shot | ABS Plastic | Professional: Laser-Etched | Ultimate: Blank | root: Laser-Etched | UV Hard Coat-Protected | Laser-Etched | Professional: Laser-Etched | Ultimate: Blank |
(NKRO) N-Key Rollover | Full n-key rollover | Full n-key rollover | Full n-key rollover | Full n-key rollover | Full n-key rollover | Full n-key rollover (with included PS2 adapter) or 6 keys with USB |
USB Ports | - | - | Professional | Ultimate: 2-Port USB 3.0 Hub | root: 2-Port USB 2.0 Hub | 2-Port USB 3.0 Hub | One USB 2.0 Pass-Through | 2-Port USB 2.0 Hub |
Media Controls | Dedicated Media Controls | Dedicated Media Controls | Dedicated Media Controls | Dedicated Media Controls | Quick Access Media Controls | Quick Access Media Controls (Not available over PS2) |
Top Panel | Wrist Rest | Black Anodized Aluminum | Black Anodized Aluminum | Black Anodized Aluminum | Black Anodized Aluminum | Black Anodized Aluminum | Glossy Black |
Works With | Windows, Linux, Chrome | Mac OS X | Windows, Linux | Windows, Linux | Windows, Linux, Chrome | Windows, Linux, Chrome |
System Requirements | One 2.0 USB Port, Optional 3.0 USB Port for Enhanced Brightness Mode | One 2.0 USB Port, Optional 3.0 USB Port for Enhanced Brightness Mode | One 1.1, 2.0 or 3.0 USB Port | One 1.1, 2.0 or 3.0 USB Port | One USB Port - (optional) Second USB Port for Pass-Through | One USB Port, Optional Second USB Port for Hub |
Key Backlighting | RGB+ with Q Notifications | RGB+ with Q Notifications | - | - | White LED Backlighting | - |
Compare with similar items
This Item Das Keyboard 4 Professional Wired Mechanical Keyboard, Cherry MX Blue Mechanical Switches, 2-Port USB 3.0 Hub, Volume Knob, Aluminum Top (104 Keys, Black) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | |
Price | $179.00$179.00 | $158.54$158.54 | $89.99$89.99 | $198.18$198.18 | -15% $143.95$143.95 List: $169.99 | -10% $89.99$89.99 List: $99.99 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 | — | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Ergonomic | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.6 |
For gaming | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 3.6 | — |
Quality of material | 4.4 | 4.7 | — | — | 4.7 | 4.6 |
Value for money | — | 3.8 | 4.1 | 3.5 | — | 4.2 |
Sold By | Das Keyboard Store | CHERRY AMERICAS | Keymecher | CHERRY AMERICAS | Ucs Deals | CHERRY AMERICAS |
connectivity tech | USB | wired | USB | wireless, wired | USB | USB-A |
number of keys | 104 | 108 | 108 | 104 | 104 | 108 |
hardware interface | usb | usb | — | — | bluetooth | — |
compatible devices | — | PC | Laptop, PC | Tablet, Laptop, PC | PC | PC |
keyboard description | QWERTY | Mechanical | Ergonomic, Gaming, Mechanical, Multi Functional | Ultra Low Profile Keyboard | Mechanical | Mechanical |
operating system | mac os x | Windows | Mac OS, Windows | — | Windows 10, Windows 11, macOS 10.15, iOS 14, iPadOS 14, Linux, Chrome OS, Android 8.0 | Windows |
What's in the box
Product information
Technical Details
Brand | Das Keyboard |
---|---|
Series | 4 Professional Cherry MX Blue |
Item model number | DASK4MKPROCLI-USEU |
Hardware Platform | PC, Linux, Chrome |
Operating System | mac os x |
Item Weight | 2.6 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 18 x 6.8 x 1.3 inches |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 18 x 6.8 x 1.3 inches |
Color | Clicky Tactile - Cherry MX Blue Switches |
Manufacturer | Das Keyboard |
ASIN | B00JI2APZQ |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | April 22, 2014 |
Additional Information
Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars |
---|---|
Best Sellers Rank | #1,153 in Computer Keyboards |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Looking for specific info?
Videos
Videos for this product
1:29
Click to play video
Logitech MX Keys Advanced vs. Das Keyboard 4 PRO #thisorthat
UTECHPIA
Videos for this product
2:28
Click to play video
3 Keyboards Compared! Plugable, Logitech, DAS! #thisorthat
UTECHPIA
Product Description
Das Keyboard 4 Professional is designed with best-in-class, Cherry MX Blue switches that have click tactile bump when the activation point is hit. The combination of the tactile feel, The psycho-acoustic experience and incredible craftsmanship all deliver an experience like no other. Sleek design, laser-etched key caps, and oversized volume knob make this one beautifully crafted machine. The most advanced mechanical keyboard on the market today.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, performance, comfort, and usb connectivity of the keyboard. For example, they mention it's well made, works well with Windows 10, and has a very tactile feel. Some appreciate the volume knob. That said, opinions are mixed on value and noise.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the keyboard. They say it's well-made, solid, and built like a tank. Some say the keyboard is a beautiful beast and a pleasure to type on. They also appreciate the Cherry MX Brown switches.
"...But this thing is such a beautiful beast. I HIGHLY recommend getting a new set of quality keycaps for it though. It was a huge game changer...." Read more
"...This is a quality product. The money I paid is apparent in the product. This is priced as a luxury, premium product and seems to be just that...." Read more
"...The indicator lights do the job and look great from a normal typing position, though they do put out quite a bit of light straight up – in a dark..." Read more
"...I've found it to be well-built, aesthetically-pleasing, and a joy to use. I especially recommend it to students or those who type quite a lot...." Read more
Customers like the comfort of the keyboard. For example, they say it has a very tactile feel, with a nice sounding click. They also say the key action feels good, and the keycaps feel nicer. Customers also appreciate the tactile and auditory feedback the Cherry MX blue switches provide.
"...I suspect this has something to do with the keycap quality. I feel fluid and just as fast typing on the Das as I would on any of my other preferred..." Read more
"...Soft, and then resistance. Push through resistance and see letter appear, can immediately release and then press again...." Read more
"...They are softer and dampen the sound of the key presses more than PBT keycaps...." Read more
"...blues are the most popular cherry switch, simply because they feel so nice to type on. I even use them for gaming...." Read more
Customers like the performance of the keyboard. They mention that it works well with Windows 10, most of the keys work well, and the controls work seamlessly with both iTunes and MusicBee. The volume dial works well, is clicky, and reacts properly when typing on it.
"...The magnetic stand / ruler of this keyboard actually seems to work pretty well...." Read more
"...I know. Therefore, I dropped one star from a 5-star keyboard. It works perfectly. Its design is well suited for typing...." Read more
"...to have increasing problems with switches that would not reliable register when pressed, or which would double or triple register when pressed once...." Read more
"...The keyboard seems to strive for elegance, feel, and function while eschewing trendy light shows and annoying color schemes...." Read more
Customers like the volume knob on the keyboard. They mention it's dedicated, fantastic, and well done. They also appreciate the huge, rotary, and digital volume control knobs.
"...The volume knob and media controls is fantastic and super well done...." Read more
"...The volume knob is also useful to me, and I think the way in which it is placed (where it hangs over the right edge of the backplate slightly)..." Read more
"...The volume knob is exceptional to use and even the non-mechanical media keys are great to use...." Read more
"...keyboard that most people do, except that I REALLY love the sound volume control knob that is really the best thing since streaming music!..." Read more
Customers like the USB connectivity of the keyboard. For example, they mention the 2 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB passthroughs, and the updated USB 3.0-powered hub. That said, some complain about the design and the fact that it doesn't tie up extra ports.
"...The Das also has 2 USB passthroughs which is a luxury I have been living without since my old Black Widow days back in 2012...." Read more
"...The USB cable is permanently attached to the keyboard, it's thick (more than other USB 3.0 cables, but it's OK for me), and the join with the..." Read more
"...These USB ports are an actual hub as opposed to a pass-through, so the keyboard only requires one port on the computer...." Read more
"...-USB C ports on board are nice but do not have fast charging. Probably lacking other USB-C daisy chain and other features but I am not positive...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the noise of the keyboard. Some mention that the clicking sound is very satisfying, while others say that it's too noisy for many situations. Some customers also report that the keyboard makes a clapping sound when pressed.
"...Again the keystrokes on the Das are crisp and the sound it makes is satisfying and not obnoxious at all, at least to a person who likes mechanical..." Read more
"...2. Bad key switches: Some of the key switches make really bad noise when pressed. They are smooth and have problems with the spring in them...." Read more
"...The brown switches were quieter than the blue switches, but I never got over the way they felt more “mushy” compared to the blue switches...." Read more
"...the keys and push more softly until the key engages the keyboard can be very quiet. I love the feel of the keys with the Brown switches...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the value of the keyboard. Some find it worth the price, while others say it's overpriced. Some customers also mention that the keyboard has a light bleed issue and a cheap cable. Overall, opinions are mixed and it'd be best to read reviews before making a purchase.
"...The money I paid is apparent in the product. This is priced as a luxury, premium product and seems to be just that...." Read more
"...The price is steep, and if it perhaps had backlit keys the price would seem more reasonable...." Read more
"...However, for software engineers, this is a great keyboard and a good asset...." Read more
"...The bottom line is that although this keyboard is very expensive, I've found it to be well-built, aesthetically-pleasing, and a joy to use...." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the stability of the keyboard. They mention that it wobbles, slides around too easily, and the magnets are weak. The footbar also slips off easily. Overall, customers are disappointed with the quality and stability of this product.
"...Also, there is a slight wobble to the keys. This helps me, and probably some other touch typists...." Read more
"...2: this magnetized ruler stand gimmick is no good. it props up the keyboard only slightly and i don't find any usefulness of having a ruler on the..." Read more
"...The USB cable is very stiff.The volume control is wonky, wobbly, and gritty feeling.My "P" key snags when pressed...." Read more
"...The reason is the stabilizers. All the keys with stabilizers felt a little sticky and wobbly. I thought it was me not used to it at first...." Read more
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Typing:
First of all this is the best typing experience I have had in a long time. The strokes are clean and light. Lighter than most blue switch key boards I have been trying which surprised me. I suspect this has something to do with the keycap quality. I feel fluid and just as fast typing on the Das as I would on any of my other preferred keyboards. Something I hold to a high regard is the acoustics of the board when I am typing. Many keyboards that I keep trying, often over 130 dollars and "built like a tank" sound dreadful. Notably the Razer black widow and the Code 104, both of which I wanted to love. But again their over the top hefty construction of plastic made it sound like you were hitting wood against Nerf Guns with each keystroke. Often times it would just completely drown out the sound of the clicky keys themselves which was infuriating. Again the keystrokes on the Das are crisp and the sound it makes is satisfying and not obnoxious at all, at least to a person who likes mechanical keyboard sounds.
Appearance:
The Das keyboard looks amazing. I went with the ultimate version with the blank keycaps and the black lettering in the top right corner. Man is it clean and professional. The aluminum front plate is super clean and sharp. Doesn't reflect a bunch of light and still has the nice cold and textured touch. Super lovely choice on their part. Again, I love the blacked out look of the keyboard. I dont mind the red accents on the volume knob and the ruler either. Subtle and slick. A part of me wishes those accents came in something more neutral like gray but again, its so subtle that it would never compete with a set up up that had a theme to it.
Materials:
The keycaps are very nice. While they are still ABS plastic they have to be some of the best ABS caps I have every used. Sturdy and slightly textured as well as being kinda light too. I love them honestly. The plastic and aluminum body is super nice. It's got heft but it's light by comparison to other boards that strive to be built well. The cord is a thick rubber cable. I hear a lot of reviews wishing it was a braided cable and I can vouch for that desire but I really dont think its worth docking any points for something like that. especially because a lot of braided cables I've had, especially with Logitech, which unravel, fray, and start looking gross after a while. This rubber cord is sturdy and will look the same throughout its shelf life so I am happy with it.
Functionality:
On top of all the great things I can say about the board from a minimalist and professional use standpoint, it actually has some of the best feature sets for me. The volume knob and media controls is fantastic and super well done. The knob is tactile and gives you some clicky feedback when you turn it which is a pleasure to use. The ruler on the back is something I might use? The addition of the ruler is not a con whatsoever in my opinion. It's implementation does not interfere with the experience of the board at all and its there if you need it. Some have said that they wish it lifted the board up a bit more. I understand where they are coming from but for me it's actually perfect. The Das also has 2 USB passthroughs which is a luxury I have been living without since my old Black Widow days back in 2012. I am very happy to have that again.
Other biased pros:
Fits perfectly with my favorite wrist rest which is a HUGE plus for me. It doesn't take up a ton of room on my desk which is nice
Cons:
I do have just one small complaint. The keyboard had some blemishes right on the box which kind of upset me a bit at first. Theres a scuff on the aluminum on the right side of the board as well as on the long + key on the same side. They are small enough to where I will live with it because you cant notice unless you really look but again that's a little upsetting. For 165 dollars I just think that is pretty sloppy and unacceptable.
All in all I love this keyboard and I think finally my hunt for a keyboard can finally be put aside for awhile as I will most certainly be using this keyboard out of the rest of mine going forward.
Update: 6/4/2018
So I've had this keyboard for a bit now and it's still a daily driver. I do swap it back and forth between my Filco and that will most likely continue to happen just because I like hopping from board to board. But this thing is such a beautiful beast. I HIGHLY recommend getting a new set of quality keycaps for it though. It was a huge game changer. I bought some ninja font thick PBT keycaps for it and wow does it sound and feel amazing compared to the stock caps which were cheap by comparison but still pretty good for stock caps. Anyway get some fancy caps for this thing as the mileage from the upgrade will be more worth it than other keyboard in my opinion.
WHY I BOUGHT DAS KB
A guy in an Apple Store indicated Das is what he uses, that may match what I described, to upgrade from the wireless Apple Keyboard. First time I heard of the brand. I went to a local electronics store to try different Cherry MX switches (on game-oriented mechanical keyboards) and decided I wanted brown switches. Not a gamer but their market uses this brand of switches, so it was an easy way to try-before-buy ... at least this aspect. (If this option is not available locally, enter " Cherry MX Switch Tester" as Amazon search and you can consider one of those switch type testers. Das currently offers blue or brown. Other vendors offer other colors/types of switches). Researched online reviews for impressions, build quality, and touch typist evaluations ... the PC version. (Search "Das Keyboard 4" on YouTube, to find some recorded reviews). After the research I decided to invest in this specific keyboard.
Note: This keyboard does not use Cherry switches. They feel similar. The browns for this are a bit harder (the resistance increases by 100% instead of 33%) but seem very similar as the ones I tried. This change is a bit controversial in the Das community.
Followup 1: Visited store where I first tried Cherry MX switches, after buying and using this DAS keyboard. Did some typing with Cherry MX Browns, to get a better comparison (closer in time). Including the Logitech G710+ model with Cherry MX Browns. The softer initial force of Cherry MX (vs the Greetech brand used in this DAS product) lowers the momentum because less force increase to peak ... seem less likely to bounce at the bottom. For me. Cherry switch would be less of a learning curve (sorry for bad pun). Does not mean I will not get there with Greetech. Generally, Das shouldn't have made this change to tactile force/distance and switch maker without more notice, and perhaps should not have done this at all given existing user expectations. But I'm new and will keep refining (restoring) my typing.
Web page that defines terms: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Force
DAS SITE
I strongly recommend visiting the Das site for more info on these keyboards, including the specs on Greetech Blue vs Brown switches (force vs. distance, and the "trip" points): http://www.daskeyboard.com/daskeyboard-4-professional-for-mac/
ORDER TO KB ON DESK
A pre-order. 4 week wait. Was to arrive before Saturday ... arrived the Wednesday before ... so on time. Large box with packing pillow taking more volume that the product box. Generally good packing inside product box. Two parts: keyboard with USB 3.0 cable attached, and the tilt bar (that is also a ruler I never expect to use for measuring). Attach bar to keyboard - magnet - and plug cable into USB port.
KEY FEEL
The feel is old-school keyboards from decades ago, but better and more refined. Soft, and then resistance. Push through resistance and see letter appear, can immediately release and then press again. It is a little bit "clicky" to start. With practice and learning the feel (I think it will take me a 10hr of typing to get fully in the groove), the clicks become less pronounced. I tried with full focus on just this and it can be done. If press beyond the resistance the key can bounce at bottom ... lighter touch, less click noise, just the switch and not the bottom bounce. (Can check out another solution: enter "Cherry MX Switch O-Ring" to search for a way to soften the bottom part of pressing a key. I might try this if needed. These switches are shaped similar to Cherry switches so the o-rings should be similar). Also, there is a slight wobble to the keys. This helps me, and probably some other touch typists. When moving quickly it is good to know if on a key or between keys. A little extra feedback. If between keys the wobble is generally on one side of the finger (keys are independent). If on a key the wobble matches on both sides of a finger (key is solid so whole thing moves). Will generally know a fraction before really pressing.
ALL BUT THE KEY FEEL
The product is solid. The aluminum top plate looks and feels very nice. Honestly a textured plastic could look similar, but for me the feel is a bit better than plastics. The volume knob feels like something a good stereo would have, including the tactile steps ... each step corresponds to a bar on the on-screen volume visual feedback. The board has weight (~3 lbs) and a steady grip on the desk. The USB cable is permanently attached to the keyboard, it's thick (more than other USB 3.0 cables, but it's OK for me), and the join with the keyboard has firm support to minimize bending at the join. I plugged the cable into a *powered* USB 3.0 hub which connects to the Mac. After recognizing the keyboard (very simple per most OS X configuration sequences) it worked. No driver, no restart/reboot, no switches, no actions relative to the Apple keyboard being replaced ... nothing more.
ADVICE (slight CONS):
1. Move the sleep button away from the keys and other buttons. Maybe on the front side next to the cable. Avoid accidental presses. The length of time pressing the key helps (bounce press has done nothing; I need to press and hold to put equipment to sleep). Better to not associate sleep control with audio-visual control.
2. USB ports (any electrical ports) usually ship with a plastic film cover that can be peeled off ... suggest doing this. And a plastic cap for male end of cable.
3. Sometimes ergonomic situation should tilt keyboard forward. Would be a good option to connect tilt bar on lower part, and work through design for front so it is firm on the surface (away from typing, where the cable is attached): rubber feet, allowing for the cable support and the extended edge (housing the USB ports available on the keyboard).
4. The volume knob should be solid metal with same color, texture, and reflectivity as the board.
Followup 2: The brightness keys do work on the iMac display. The keys do nothing for attached, external displays (not supposed to).
6. The eject key is close to backspace and del keys. A slip and the disc drive is ejecting. This has occurred twice. Suggest positioning the this key in the audio-visual area.
7. Of anyone finds a use of fn - for any purpose, or if it has any effect - a few of us would like to know.
FINAL WORD
This is a quality product. The money I paid is apparent in the product. This is priced as a luxury, premium product and seems to be just that. Das has gone through earlier editions and they've learned things that have been incorporated. I believe I won't look for a new keyboard for a while, probably until this one fails or Apple makes this not work with new products. Shipping with Greetech switches for a product line known for using Cherry switches may make a difference for current Das users.
If I have updates I will add to this review.
Top reviews from other countries
Por el precio de este teclado pude haber comprado literal 6 teclados nuevos de marcas que hoy uso y que tienen años sin fallar. Y que, probablemente tienen mejor garantia.
No recomiendo a este vendedor o marca por ningun motivo.
- Tasten die beim herunterdrücken plötzlich blockieren
- Sehr lauter metallener "ping" sound beim Tippen
(ich weis das ist bei mechanischen Tastaturen immer ein wenig aber das war echt zu laut und zu lange)
- Beim Lautstärkerad spitzzulaufende Metallplatte die Verletzungen hervorrufen kann
- Das Lautstärkerad ist recht Schwergängig und eiert
- Das Rad ist eigentlich mit einer Klickfunktion versehen für "mute", herunterdrücken hatte keinen klick
als response, beim loslassen dann schon
- Starkes Flackern der LED-Beleuchtung wenn man die Intensität ändert
Natürlich hatten nicht alle DK6 Pro die ich da hatte all diese Probleme gleichzeitig, jedoch mindestens zwei davon. Mit ist bewusst das vieles Ansichtssache ist und persönlich jeder selber bewerten muss was bei 200€ noch in Ordnung geht und was nicht. Aber für 200(!!!) Euro erwarte ich dann doch schon mehr. Es gibt Gamingtastaturen die mehr bieten und besser verarbeitet sind und weniger kosten.
Meines erachtens hat Metadot ein Qualitätskontrolle-Problem.
Ich habe mit dem Service (USA) Kontakt aufgenommen, sehr freundlicher Kontakt aber leider nicht hilfreich. Es wurde mir mitgeteilt das bei großen Tasten (Enter) es normal sei etwas zu hängen wenn man sie nicht richtig trifft... mein 20€ Cherry kann das aber OK!
Die Überleitung zum Deutschen Support war noch besser. Nachdem ich erst ewig warten musste bis sich jemand gemeldet hat wurde ich nach einer Uhrzeit gefragt zwecks Telefongespräch zu meinem Fall und einer Lösung. Termin vereinbart, mein Mobile ständig im Auge während der Arbeit jedoch kein Anruf.
Auf meine Email nach dem Termin der nicht stattfand kam nie mehr eine Antwort. Good Job
Algo caro por ser se Mac pero lo recomiendo
Reviewed in Mexico on November 26, 2019
Algo caro por ser se Mac pero lo recomiendo